Residents of Homa Bay Town have expressed concern over the acute water shortage that has plagued the town for a month after Kenya Power and Lightning Company (KPLC) interrupted power supplies at the major water intake due to an electricity bill of Ksh.10 million owed to them by the county government.
Got Rabuor, Shopia, Shauri Yako, and Makongeni, as well as other towns near Homa Bay Town, have been affected.
Since most Homa Bay residents have turned to untreated water from Lake Victoria due to the extreme water shortage, their lives are at risk of getting cholera and other water-borne illnesses.
A number of water vendors operating within Homa Bay Town have taken advantage of the situation to reap big from residents by doubling the price as 20 liters of water is sold for between Ksh.20-30.
The Residents want the County government to intervene by settling the bill saying the water they are using is not safe for human consumption.
HOMAWASCO managing Director Tom Nyonje admits that there has been a challenge in supplying water to the resident over the pending bills which he says they are sorting out this week.